CEC Media Release: ACT set to become shining light for community solar power

The new initiative announced today by ACT Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development Simon Corbell will allow those households that have previously missed out on the benefits of solar, like renters and people living in apartments, to invest in renewable energy.

Clean Energy Council Chief Executive David Green said it was great to see the ACT Government taking action to provide access to renewable energy to those who can’t install solar panels themselves, due to financial or physical barriers.

"The Canberra Community Solar initiative will provide an opportunity for those who want to invest in solar power, but don’t have an available rooftop or live in a rental property, to take advantage of the financial benefits on offer," Mr Green said.

"This innovative new scheme is also another example of how solar can benefit people from all walks of life.

"Government figures on the number of solar installations right across Australia consistently show that people who live in mortgage belt areas and lower income suburbs are leading the way when it comes to installing solar systems, thanks to the electricity bill savings they provide."

The announcement from the ACT Government followed the news yesterday that the ACT will launch a new reverse auction process to support more large-scale renewable energy projects in the territory.

Mr Green said that more than one million Australian households have already installed solar panels on their roof and were generating their own clean energy and saving money, but that the industry was under threat from policy instability.

"The solar industry has been able to help more than 2.5 million Australians who now live under a roof with solar panels, but the current review of the Renewable Energy Target could put that industry in jeopardy," he said.

"It is vital that the Renewable Energy Target is left to get on with the job of generating investment and jobs for all Australians."